The Debt of Love {The Fractured Hearts Series Book 1}

Twenty Five

Hazel's Pov

I walked into the house, my mind still reeling from the conflicting stories.

"Hey, Hazel! Welcome back. Alessio's in his room," Antonio said, eyeing me curiously. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Everything okay?"

I forced a smile to my face.

"Thanks," I replied, heading straight for the stairs without elaborating.

"Hey, Hazel, is everything okay? You seem a bit off," Antonio called out, but I just shook my head and continued up the stairs.

I reached Alessio's room and found him in the shower. I sat down on the bed, waiting for him to finish. When he emerged, wrapped only in a towel, I couldn't help but stare. Water droplets dripped down his hair, onto his perfectly formed chest and abs.

"Enjoying the view?" Alessio asked, smirking as he began to dress.

I blushed, looking away. "Shut up."

"So, what's on your mind?" Alessio asked, noticing my distraction. "You're not still thinking about what I told you, are you?"

What did he tell me? I may have forgotten!

"I went to see Oliver and Alexa," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "They told me...they told me my parents were killed by bad people. Mafia groups."

Alessio's expression changed from playful to serious. "What else did they say?"

"They said my dad was involved with some dangerous people and they killed him and my mom," I replied, feeling a lump form in my throat.

Alessio's face darkened. "I told you your mom was killed by bad people, Hazel. But I also told you your dad was a bad man. He was involved with the mafia, and that's why they're after you."

"What mafia group huh?" I asked. "Alessio tell me because I'm really getting confused here, help me remember, please" I pleaded as pain flashed in his eyes before it was shrugged off.

"You wouldn't want to know, and I also don't." he paused looking away from me. "All I know is they were killed by bad people, very bad people"

I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. "But why would Oliver and Alexa tell me the same story? Are they working with you?"

Alessio shook his head. "No, they're not working with me. But they're telling the truth. Your parents were killed by the mafia. But what they didn't tell you is that your dad was one of them."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "Why didn't you tell me the whole truth?"

Alessio sighed. "I was trying to protect you, Hazel. But I realize now that I should have told you everything. I'm sorry."

He finished dressing and planted a soft kiss on my lips. "I'll be back in a while. Try to relax."

As he left the room, I sighed, falling back onto his bed. My mind was racing with questions and doubts, but one thing was certain - I had to know the truth, no matter how painful it was.

Alessio's Pov

I walked out of my bedroom, slamming the door softly as I tilted my head back to rest on the wall. I feel super bad for lying to Hazel, but I've got what I've got to do.

I can't afford for her to find out shit! She can't, not now! Not ever! I've gotta do something.

I walked into the sitting room, finding Antonio lounging on the couch, watching TV. "We have somewhere to go," I said, my mind still on Hazel and the conversation we had earlier.

Antonio raised an eyebrow, pausing the TV. "Where?"

I didn't respond, just headed for the door. Antonio reluctantly followed me, grabbing his keys and wallet on the way out.

"You know I'm your brother right? Not some slave of yours!"he said. "You could have called Lit!"

I halted facing him, "Okay brother. You're the only worthy person that can do these and this is your speciality" I looked at him in the eyes as his lips tilted up.

"You need my help?" His tone sounded playful. I rolled my eyes at him.

"We've gotta get somewhere really important. You've got Hazel's friend's information with you?"

"Yes, what about it?" He asked, becoming confused.

"I think we've to.drop by and pay them a visit"

As we drove, I filled him in on what Hazel had told me. "She's getting close to the truth, Antonio. She's scared and confused. Oliver and Alexa told her that her parents were killed by the mafia."

Antonio glanced at me, concerned. "Chill, Alessio. We've got this under control. We've been over this."

I shook my head, my grip on the steering wheel tightening. "You don't understand. If she finds out I killed her parents...I don't know what she'll do. She's already questioning everything."

Antonio snorted. "She'll never find out. We've covered our tracks too well. Besides, even if she does, she'll never believe it. She trusts you, Alessio."

I wasn't so sure. Hazel was smart, and she had a way of seeing through me. I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand.

We arrived at Oliver's house, and Antonio knocked on the door. Oliver opened it, looking nervous, and I pushed him inside, following him with Antonio behind me.

Antonio slammed the door shut, and we took seats in the living room. Alexa and Oliver looked horrified as I let out an evil chuckle.

"Do you know Hazel?" I asked, my voice dripping with menace.

They nodded fearfully, exchanging a glance.

"Stay away from her," I warned. "If you tell her more than what you've already told her, I'll have to kill you. And the people you love."

Oliver and Alexa nodded again, fidgeting in their seats. I could see the fear in their eyes, and it satisfied me.

"She's mine," I continued. "I can't lose her yet. Leave her alone."

They nodded once more, and I stood up, Antonio following suit.

"Let's go," I told Antonio.

As we left their house, Antonio asked, "You think that was necessary?"

I nodded. "Yes. I'll do whatever it takes to keep Hazel safe. And mine."

We drove back to my place in silence, my mind still on Hazel and the secrets I kept from her. I knew I had to keep her close, to protect her from the truth. But for how long?